Scottish Government decides against expanding vaccine passport scheme after sustained business lobbying led by SCC

The Scottish Government has decided not to extend its vaccine passport scheme to include more venues and settings. The measure had been under consideration for the last few weeks, but the First Minister has said that it will not be extended at this time as it wouldn’t be proportionate to do so. The Scottish Government has confirmed one change to the current rules: a negative lateral flow test can be used instead of proof of double vaccinations to gain entry to those venues and events where proof of vaccination is currently required. Business groups, led by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, had roundly criticised the proposed extension of vaccination passports.

Commenting on the decision, Alan Mitchell, Chief Executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The hospitality and events industry will be breathing a collective sigh of relief that this ill-judged policy will not be implemented. The letter written by Liz Cameron of the SCC to the First Minister exposed the massive flaws in the Government’s health logic and the scale of economic damage it could wreak if implemented. The Scottish Government presented no compelling evidence that it would have a meaningful impact on Covid transmission rates or convince significantly more people to get vaccinated. Thankfully, the First Minister and her Cabinet have seen sense and decided not to proceed.”